Sikorsky, Boeing Propose X2™ Technology Helicopter Design for US Army's Joint
Multi-Role Future Vertical Lift Requirements
PR Newswire
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2013
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a
subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. [NYSE: UTX], and Boeing [NYSE: BA]
will submit a joint proposal to build a demonstrator aircraft – based on
Sikorsky's X2^™ Technology rotorcraft design – for the U.S. Army's Joint
Multi-Role (JMR) Technology Demonstrator (TD) Phase 1 program.
The JMR TD program supports the Army's Future Vertical Lift initiative to
deliver the next generation of vertical lift utility and attack aircraft.
"The Sikorsky and Boeing proposal will demonstrate how X2 Technology, with its
counter-rotating coaxial main rotors, pusher propeller, and advanced
fly-by-wire system, will deliver efficient 230-knot cruise airspeed, improved
hover efficiency, and weight-optimized design in an affordable package," said
Samir Mehta, president of Sikorsky Military Systems. "By leveraging our proven
design, we can offer the Army reduced risk, a 100-knot improvement in speed, a
60 percent improvement in combat radius, and 50 percent better high-hot hover
performance."
"The Sikorsky-Boeing team for JMR TD is truly a team of equals," said Leanne
Caret, vice president and general manager of Boeing's Vertical Lift division.
"Sikorsky will take the lead role in this JMR TD Phase 1 proposal, and Boeing
will take a lead role for Phase 2, the mission systems demonstrator program.
"Our companies are fully committed to the long-term nature of the Future
Vertical Lift initiative, and we will contribute equally in terms of capital,
technological capability and risk on our path to meeting the Army's
requirements," said Caret.
Proposals for JMR TD Phase 1 are due to the U.S. Army Aviation Applied
Technology Directorate by March 6. The Army is expected to announce its
selection of one or more winning bids in late 2013. Demonstrator aircraft are
expected to fly in 2017.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in
aircraft design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in
Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and
support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the
world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in
innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest
and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St.
Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,000
employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.
X2 is a registered trademark of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Forward-Looking Information Is Subject to Risk and Uncertainty
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning
opportunities for development, production and sale of helicopters. The
opportunities discussed may not lead to actual development or production by
the parties due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not
limited to changes in government procurement priorities and practices, budget
plans, availability of funding and in the type and number of aircraft
required; decisions to award contracts to competing suppliers; challenges in
the design, development, production and support of advanced technologies; as
well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those
detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corporation's and The Boeing
Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
A related image is available at boeing.mediaroom.com.
Contact:
Frans Jurgens
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Office: +1 203-386-6443
Mobile: +1 203-615-8293
frans.jurgens@sikorsky.com
Damien Mills
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Office: +1 610-591-7005
Mobile: +1 314-600-4696
damien.mills@boeing.com
SOURCE Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Website: http://www.boeing.com/bds
Website: http://www.sikorsky.com